Ballantines Finest whisky was Jim Murray's No Age Statement Blend of the Year with a whopping 96 points! The critic seems to have a real penchant for the brand, awarding the 17 year old expression a similar score. Ballantines Finest is a great all-rounder - easy-going and very flavoursome. A classic blend.
Expressive, crisp barley sugars. Touch of wood smoke, toffee.
Rich and sweet. Barley and caramel, very gentle peat.
Soft and sweet, fudge.
Not a rip-off by any means, but it's a little thin and light. This is evident even in the 17 year old, which is very expensive where I am at least. The fact is, you can do a lot better for around twenty quid. Only a terrible snob would turn their nose up at this dram but if you stop here in your search, you are letting yourself down.
Not bad for a blend. I drink all varieties of Whisky from all parts of the world. Some days I seek out smoke nd pet, others , a fresh, crisp fruity flavor. Ballantines is suitable for the days when I just want n easy drinking safe blend. It's well worth the money, nd one I would endeavor to maintain in my Bar stock.
really great whisky for beg. it's smooth and sweet and i think it's a lot bit underrated and because its fruity nature you can use it in Irish coffee works great
Sweet taste of the whiskey is really disliked by me. Not interested for a second try
However, I still prefer Grant's Family Reserve over this, it has less sweetness and gives you more punch and bit more spicy than Ballantines, it's a very nice dram indeed! If I could make a personal taste rank, it would be like this: #1 - Grant's Family Reserve #2 - Ballantine's Finest #3 - The Famous Grouse #20 - Red Label
